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Brown Chicken Lady said:
Hello,

I am new to the chick world.
  • Minnesota
  • Semi-Rural
  • Working full-time
  • Family

Chickens
  • Ordered 16 chicks - to arrive mid-April:
    • Ameraucana
    • Barred Rock
    • Delaware
    • Bielefelder
    • Speckled Sussex,
  • I did order 1 rooster (Bielefelder) . I am hoping that gives me enough time to build a coop and chicken run.

Concerns
  • Looking for Hen House / Run plans - going to build myself
  • Information on chicks/brooder process.
  • Predator prevention/protection - we have opossum, fox, coyote, bear, dogs, cats, owls, hawks, skunk, woodchuck, that I KNOW of. I'm sure I will learn of more soon!
Goals
  • Composting
  • Chicken Garden -- to offset feed costs
  • Free-range (partial)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Hello a Welcome !! :frowWe are glad you are here.
 
Glad to meet you.
Here are my favorite beginning articles. All articles are short, and have illustrations, and reviews, which are often worth looking at for the comments.

1. Intro to chicken keeping

2. Common mistakes & how to fix them

3. Ventilation (important to chicken health), with helpful links to coop designs organized by climate (because what is just right for my New England hens won't work for my brother's Arizona chickens)

4. Predator protection for new & existing coops

5. Dealing with a muddy coop and run

6. (planning ahead for next year!) Winter chicken care

7. Plants for chickens with some great links to other articles, including one on composting with chickens

8. Understanding your rooster


To look for articles on your own:

A. Use the SEARCH button, but use the Advanced Search choice, and select ARTICLES at the top of the box. Just enter your keyword(s) and scroll through your results!

B. I find it helpful to notice the rating and reviews. All articles are by BYC members, and all the reviews/ratings are as well. The ratings help a newbie like me sort the most useful and reliable articles.

C. You can bookmark the articles or posts you think you want to refer to again using that bookmark icon at the top of articles or posts. You can find them again by clicking on your own avatar and looking at the list of bookmarks you have built up!

Notes about where to put a coop.

1. As far as you can, put a coop and run on high ground, that drains well, so you won't have so much muddy coop problems. Chickens need to be dry, dry, dry.
2. As far as you can, put a coop with the ventilation lined up with your prevailing breezes, and away from the direction of your storms. If you are not sure of these (who is these days?), check with your local National Weather Service website.
3. As far as you can, arrange for some sort of shade over your coop and run. Preferably deciduous so the girls will enjoy winter sun, but summer shade.
 

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